"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 078 - The Third Skull" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

did leave New York, Mr. Parchell - after you dismissed me. But I had to come back, sir, when I learned
that you were dying - that you were very ill, sir, and -"

Hothan's hesitating tone brought a snorted chortle from old Hildrew Parchell. Hothan's ratlike
countenance belied the sympathetic words that the man was uttering. Hildrew Parchell was keen enough
to note it.

"You came back, eh?" sneered the old man, rising to one elbow. "You came back because you were
sorry for me, eh? Do you think I am a fool?" Parchell's tone was caustic. "Do you think I am fool enough
to believe that fable?

"I know why you are here, Hothan. You want to find out what you sought before: The secret of my
hidden wealth. When you worked here as my secretary, you pried about, trying to uncover my private
business. I caught you in the act. I was lenient enough to discharge you without making your treachery
public."

"I - I was wrong, sir," began Hothan. "My curiosity carried me too far, Mr. Parchell -"

"Curiosity, bah!" interjected the old man. "You were paid for your treachery, Hothan, and I know who
hired you. You came back tonight hoping that you might accomplish what you failed to gain before. I
heard you enter, downstairs, Hothan!"

"The door was unlocked, sir I looked about for Tristram -"

"You mean you were lurking outside; that you saw Tristram leave. With my trusted servant gone, you
decided that you could enter. You did find the door unlocked: that much is true. It was left open for
Weldon Wingate!"

The name brought a sharp glance from Hothan. The ex-secretary had entered the room; he was close by
the old man's bed when Hildrew Parchell spoke of Weldon Wingate. Hothan's change of expression was
sufficient enough to bring a harsh chuckle from old Parchell.

"That interests you," sneered the white-haired man. "It worries you, Hothan, doesn't it, to learn that my
lawyer is due here tonight? Well, it should interest you, because Wingate is going to find out those facts
that you sought to learn and failed!"

Hothan's fists clenched tightly. A sharp hiss came from his lips, as they formed an evil twist. Old Parchell
merely chuckled. Hothan's betrayal of his real nature was pleasing to the old man.

"Wingate will not be here alone," added Hildrew Parchell. "I am not fool enough to confide in one man,
even though he is my lawyer. Doctor Deseurre will be here also. You remember him, Hothan. My
physician. I expect him shortly after Wingate.

"Also Selwood Royce. His father was a friend of mine. I sent Tristram out to call Royce. So Tristram will
be back shortly. That will make four men who will learn my secret; four who will act promptly to carry
out my wishes. Four who will hold the secret of my wealth and its disposal. Wingate, Deseurre, Royce,
Tristram -"

HILDREW PARCHELL paused abruptly. He noted the nervous, defeated look upon Hothan's face. He
knew that the man was fuming inwardly at the thought of defeat. Harshly, old Parchell added a sarcastic